gift of wings

As a mother, part of our job is to raise our children well so that some day, we can give them wings to fly into the magnificence of life. What we cannot prepare ourselves for, no matter what anyone else says, is that it comes sooner than we anticipate.

And it's not easy.

Friday night, we stood outside a charter bus that would transport our oldest daughter states away for a class trip, knowing she wouldn't return home until Sunday night. Even though we knew she would have the time of her life, it was (and is) very hard to give her the gift of wings so she can experience the world around her, without mommy and daddy nearby. She is just twelve (and a half!) years old. MY baby girl is so far away. She has been texting me and calling a often. I love that she is thinking about me while she is away. And yes, she is having the most incredible time with her friends.

The main thing that we were blessed with that has soothed me is that fact that Emily is rooming with a teacher. A very cool teacher. And she is very happy to be rooming with an adult. And they will (and have been) spending the day together at the park. It surely has eased some worry from my over active imagination. You know, the what ifs and the stupid thoughts that send you into a panic because you cannot be there to protect your child?

Um. Yeah. I have been through every silly thought imaginable. Unnecessarily so, at this point.

I must learn to rely on faith a bit more.

She went on her very first roller coaster and then some! I wasn't there to experience that with her. Yeah, I know, big deal, right? Not really. Moms like me want to be there all the way for all the "firsts"...it's just the way it is. And when we aren't, well, it can be a little emotional. I want the best for my children. I want to watch with crazy pride as they soar into their future as young women. And have faith that even when I am not nearby physically, I am always nearby in spirit.

And this is only one weekend away... can't even imagine the wreck I will be when she graduates!

The gift of wings....a beautiful thing.

and a somewhat scary thing too.

today she is ten.

Ten years ago, I gave birth to this gorgeous little girl of mine. I am so blessed that she is MY daughter. She is everything every mom dreams of having in a little girl. Her outer beauty is obvious and her inner beauty shines right through as well. She is amazing and will grow to do big things. Compassionate, empathetic, humble, gracious, fair, quiet, sensitive, kind, funny, and sweet are only a few of the words that I use to describe her. She truly is a very special girl. My gift. I love you, Jenna.

Happy Birthday, sweet baby!

seriously

love, sweet love

Fourteen years ago I became Mrs. S. It was one of the most amazing days of my entire life and I am so very blessed. Blessed because we have struggled through some really really tough times during our marriage but because we have such respect for our vows and love each other with intensity, we pushed through to make it work. Marriage is hard. It still is after all these years but I cannot imagine my life without Brent. He brings so much happiness, laughter and passion to my life. Through all the struggles, he manages to figure it all out and take care of me and the girls. It isn't always pretty, the struggles, but the most important thing is that we are together. He makes me feel things that no one else ever has or ever will. He gives me more than I deserve, really. It isn't about material things-we have very little of that- but about love and respect. Twenty years of him by my side, fourteen years of those being married...I couldn't ask for much more. (well, a few million wouldn't hurt anybody, now would it? *wink*)

it's all a bit strange

i don't know why it is all a bit strange but it is. i have been sitting down to write on this new silly blog and i simply cannot pull anything out from inside. crazy eh? i know. it's not like there is nothing in there because, well, ha!, let's face it, there is enough to write a few novels but every single time i thought about writing ... nothing. nope. nada. maybe i am putting too much pressure on myself to make every post hold meaning and inspiration, because, ultimately, that is my goal. to post things that inspire me and maybe in turn, inspire others as well. i will work on the pressure issues i put on myself, and in the mean time, if you can just hang tight with me, i would appreciate it. no expectations, just let it be what it is, when it comes. ;o)

hope your weekend is treating you well and you are surrounding yourself with positive energy and lots of love and laughter!

blessings...
oxox

jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."